News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

This is Holy Week

Reflection: From ‘Hosanna to the King’ to ‘Crucify him’

This Sunday we begin Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday. The celebration opens by commemorating Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem and swiftly moves to recounting the Passion. As we celebrate Holy Mass, we will notice a sharp change: from ‘Hosanna to the King’ to ‘Crucify him.’ This dramatic shift is captured in Samuel Crossman’s hymn, My Song is Love Unknown and beautifully set to music by John Ireland.

In the third verse we sing: ‘and His sweet praises sing; resounding all the day hosannas to the King.’ Then, immediately, in the same verse, ‘Then ‘Crucify!’ is all their breath and for His death they thirst and cry.’ Singing this hymn invites us to reflect on how quickly the mood of the crowd can change. Yet, in a more searching way, the same movement from praise to rejection can be found in our own attitude towards the Lord. In one moment, we praise and thank him for all the blessings we have received; in another we turn to frustration or anger when he seems to be silent and our prayers appear unanswered.

Like the crowds in the Gospel, we too sing a song of ‘love unknown.’ We can struggle to comprehend the depth of God’s love for us and recognise that love revealed in the Passion and Death of Jesus. Palm Sunday sets the scene and invites us to move from love unknown to a love personally known. It calls us, in the words of the hymn to say, ‘This is my friend, in Whose sweet praise I all my days could gladly spend.’

Fr Michael Glover

St Mary's College, Oscott

The Sunday Gospels of the Holy Season of Lent, 2026 (Year A)

Catechesis offered by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission

Liturgy and Worship is one of the four themes of Archbishop Bernard’s Diocesan Vision.

Understanding and making connections especially through our experience of Sunday Mass deepens our faith (formation), and prepares us to be more confident in sharing our faith (evangelisation and charity and social outreach).

This year, Year A, the Gospels for the Holy Season of Lent have a particular focus on themes related to baptism. Baptism is a Sacrament associated especially with the Holy Season of Eastertide. By long tradition, the preparation of candidates for adult Baptism has culminated at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

To conclude this digest of the Sunday Gospels of Lent, Palm Sunday which begins Holy Week has two Gospel passages:

The short Gospel which forms part of the Blessing of Palm Branches and Procession (Matthew 21:1-11). This Gospel Passage is from the Gospel of any given year and commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

On Palm Sunday, the long Passion Gospel is taken from the Sunday of the given year, this year Matthew 26:14-27, & 66.

Please note that the long Passion Gospel proclaimed on Good Friday is always from St John’s Gospel (John 18:1- 19:42).

Stations of the Cross videos

Members of the parish community in Longton, Stoke‑on‑Trent have created a new series of short reflections titled Stations of the Cross with the Saints, available via their Facebook page.

This online initiative began last weekend with an introductory video, followed by daily posts leading up to Good Friday.

The purpose of this project is to offer a simple and accessible way to pray and reflect on the Stations of the Cross in the midst of everyday life.

A wealth of resources for our journey through Lent to Easter are available to access on the diocesan website.

They include Educational and Musical Resources, Retreats and Courses, Written Resources, and now also

Mass and services at St Chad’s Cathedral during Holy week and over the Easter period.

Ideal for use individually, in schools and parishes.

Good Friday Walk of Witness, Birmingham

Come and remember the events of Good Friday with Ecumenical friends from across the City.

Starting at The Church at Carrs Lane at 10am and finishing at St Chad’s Cathedral, Friday 3 April.

All are welcome!

Becoming a Catholic: Your Story

As part of a new initiative this year we invited those joining the Catholic Church at Easter to share a little, or a lot, of their journey so far.

A short, optional questionnaire was shared across all our parishes and those due to be received were invited to participate. Many of these people recently attended the Rite of Election at St Chad's Cathedral.

We are delighted to have received several testimonies already, and hope to receive many more over the coming weeks. Thank you to all those who have shared their personal stories so far.

Please do take time to read the uplifting testimonies of new Catholics and delve into what drew them to the faith.

Support Frank as he cycles 800 miles to Lourdes

A Worcester parishioner and school governor has set himself a big challenge - to cycle 800 miles to join this year’s Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage.

Frank Tota, of St George’s, Worcester, is intending to join the hundreds of pilgrims on day one of the Pilgrimage, Monday 25 May, after a mammoth 20-day journey.

The 70-year-old's (self-funding) cycling challenge will help raise funds to complete the St David’s Medical Centre in Nyandoro, Zimbabwe, of which the parish and school community have been involved in fundraising for several years.

World Youth Day, Seoul: Register your interest

Invitation from the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT)

Young people from every corner of the world are heading to Seoul in summer 2027 for an unforgettable celebration of faith - and you could be one of them!

If you are aged 18-35 World Youth Day is your chance to experience the Church like never before: praying, celebrating, serving and worshipping alongside thousands of young people united as one global family. From days in the diocese to powerful vigils and masses, every moment is filled with energy, joy, and encounter.

We are holding a Zoom call on Monday 30 March at 7pm. This is a great opportunity to find out more about WYD Seoul and ask any questions you may have.

Our Common Home: Engaging Politicians

Join an online meeting with Bishop John Arnold, the Diocesan Environmental Leads Network & Friends on Monday 13 April.

With the May local elections fast approaching, now is an important time to let politicians know your views on climate and justice.

Clergy Conference for Youth Ministry

Wednesday 15 April, 10-4pm, £79

Following the success of last year's Youth Ministry Conference, Dr Julia Sadusky will be returning to explore the landscape that young people are currently navigating.

She will explore big topics that they are grappling with such as faith development, sexuality, gender, intergeneration relationships and lots more.

There will also be opportunity to take part in workshops on the themes of Mental Health & Faith, Engaging Volunteers, Gender & Identity, and responding to the Quiet Revival.

Location: Don Bosco House, Coleshill.

Youth Ministry Conference

Saturday 18 April, 9.30am-6pm (Vigil Mass with Canon Michael Dolman 5pm), £18

Calling all Parish Youth Leaders

Following the success of our 2024 Conference, we are delighted to announce that the 2026 Youth Ministry Conference is returning for our parish volunteers to the Archdiocese, this year in Royal Leamington Spa.

Dr Julia Sadusky will be returning to explore the landscape that our young people are currently navigating. She will explore big topics that they are grappling with, such as faith development, sexuality, gender, intergenerational relationships and lots more.

March for Life presents COMMISSIONED - Pro Life Men's Conference

Saturday 18 April, 10am-5pm, Birmingham Christian College, Selly Oak, Birmingham - £25

COMMISSIONED is a one‑day conference equipping men to live out their pro‑life mission with confidence and clarity.

Join a growing community committed to defending preborn children, supporting women in crisis, and speaking effectively on the pro‑life issue.

The day includes practical guidance for fathers and husbands, teaching on standing firm under pressure, insights from pro‑life history, and opportunities for discussion and connection with others.

Holy Hour for the Dignity of Life

In the Easter season, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales will hold a Holy Hour on Sunday 19 April at 4.30pm (UK time).

This is an opportunity for the Catholics of our two nations to unite and pray for the promotion of a culture of life. We encourage parishes throughout England and Wales to hold Holy Hours around that time.

Diocesan Mass for Marriage - please register your attendance

The annual Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage will be held on Saturday 2 May at St Chad's Cathedral, the Diocesan Mother Church.

Registration for the event is now open with a deadline of Sunday 19 April.

If you are celebrating a significant wedding anniversary in 2026, engaged to be married this year or would simply like to give thanks to God for your marriage, and ask for His ongoing blessings, please join us.

Book Launch at St Mary's College, Oscott

'From Sinai to Rome'. This essential collection by Dr Angela Costley and Prof Gavin D’Costa examines the question of Jewish-Catholic relations from every angle.

An evening of celebration on Monday 27 April with presentations by Dr Angela Costley, Prof Gavin D'Costa and Prof Lawrence Feingold.

Introduction by Bishop Timothy Menezes and a drinks reception to follow.

Is Your Son Being Called to the Priesthood?

Following a successful day last year, the Vocations Office is hosting a Young Discerners Group meeting on Saturday 9 May.

This is for young men in school years 9-13 who feel they might be being called to the priesthood and is an opportunity to meet together at our diocesan seminary, St Mary's College, Oscott.

Participants have the chance to find out more about the priesthood and seminary life, spend time in prayer, meet seminarians and explore how to discern.

Their parents are also invited to attend as part of a parallel programme, where they can have a tour of Oscott and meet with a priest's parents, who can answer their questions.

This is a free event but booking is essential.

Diocesan Day Pilgrimage to Walsingham

Fr Philip Griffin, Pilgrimage Organiser, has written to parishes across the Archdiocese inviting them to take part in this year's day pilgrimage to Walsingham, Norfolk.

Pilgrims are invited to travel to 'England's Nazareth' on Saturday 9 May, with Mass celebrated by Canon Jonathan Veasey, Vicar General of the Archdiocese.

"Pilgrimage is an important aspect of Catholic life, and I'm sure the day pilgrimage will be a joyful and spiritually rewarding experience for everyone," said Fr Philip.

If parish groups are planning to attend please inform Fr Philip by the end of April.

WeBelieve Festival is back for 2026!

Tickets now on sale for the July event

The WeBelieve Festival brings thousands together to encounter Christ in His Church.

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It’s an unmissable opportunity to discover the traditions and charisms that flow through the Church, to grow in authentic community, and to encounter the transforming love of God.

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Join us from Friday 24 - Monday 27 July at the historic and beautiful setting of St Mary’s College, Oscott for a feast of the True, the Good and the Beautiful.‍

Last year more than 2,000 Catholics gathered in the grounds for the first-ever WeBelieve Festival, celebrating Catholic life and faith.

Pilgrimage to Fatima - September

Places remain for a Pilgrimage to Fatima from 11-15 September, led by Fr Andrew Franklin (Our Lady of the Wayside, Shirley).

We will fly from Manchester and stay at the Hotel Steyler, just a short walk from the Sanctuary.

Cost: £1,100 per person, including return flights, accommodation, full board, airport transfers, hold luggage, travel insurance, and all organised pilgrimage events. A £400 deposit secures your place.

The programme includes daily Mass, the International Rosary and Candlelight Processions, the Via Sacra, visits to Aljustrel and Valinhos, and time to enjoy the prayerful atmosphere of the Sanctuary.

Join us for a special few days of prayer, reflection, and fellowship in this beloved place of pilgrimage.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Paid positions

Father Hudson's Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese.

Roles currently available:

Support Workers

Foster Carers

Finance Manager, Friends of the Holy Land

An exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the charity, implementing an online accounting system and adapting our current processes to the new systems.

Closing date: Monday 30 March.

Local coordinator (maternity cover), HOPE Coventry’s Good Neighbours Coventry project.

This project inks vulnerable & lonely older people to friends in their community. We’re recruiting a local coordinator (maternity cover) to assess older people’s needs, train volunteers to befriend older people, and to help friendships between older people & volunteers grow.

Based across Coventry, primarily CV2 area

£27,124 FTE. 20 hours per week, across 3 or 4 or 5 days

Closing date: Wednesday 1 April

Voluntary Positions

Lead Trustee for Safeguarding and Lead Trustee for Property

The Trustees are seeking to appoint skilled and committed Catholic volunteers with relevant professional experience.

Oxford Pro-Life Community is working to build a living and lively community of people in Oxford that has a real impact in promoting the respect for the inviolable right to life of all human beings.

If that sounds exciting to you and you can spare an hour or so a week please visit the website to find out more.

Several other opportunities are also advertised on our website including:

Train and Volunteer as a Relationship Counsellor with Marriage Care.

A week of free residential work experience with the St Vincent de Paul Society and CAFOD.

Become a Faith Rep with Mary's Meals.

CAFOD is looking for new School Volunteers.

Parish Appealers are needed by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Volunteer at Tabor Living, Birmingham.

Come and See - Discernment Retreat for young Catholic women at Minster Abbey

Share the rhythm of daily monastic prayer and life.

For single Roman Catholic women aged 18-35 open to discerning a monastic vocation.

Hosted by the Benedictine Nuns of Minster Abbey, Kent.

Three weekends available in 2026:

Palm Sunday Weekend, Friday 27 - Sunday 29 March

Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August

Friday 9 - Sunday 11 October.

Webinar: The Catholic Union host The Place of Beauty

The Catholic Union is delighted to announce that it will be holding a webinar on Monday 20 April at 6pm to explore the place of beauty, amongst the other transcendentals, in the moral formation of the person and of society.

Chaired by Catherine Pepinster, well known journalist, attendees will hear from Father Patrick van der Vorst and Stefan Kaminski.

Father Patrick is a Belgian and British priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster and former entrepreneur, dealer, art expert and winner on BBC's Dragons' Den.

Stefan is the Director of The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst, where he has been creating and delivering Catholic formation content for a wider audience.

Please register for the webinar by emailing info@catholicunion.org.uk and a Zoom link will be provided. Booking is essential.

Forming Catholic Student Leaders

Two summer courses exploring faith, ethics and leadership for sixth form students, offered by the Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst.

Join us for six days in the beautiful Ribble Valley to explore themes linked to The Common Good (Year 12, 10-15 August) and to The Human Ecology (Year 13, 5-10 July).

Meet new friends, discuss and share with peers, tutors and academics, learn new skills, develop your relationship with Christ, build your character.

Deadline: Thursday 30 April.

Invitation from Beginning Experience

Widowed, Separated and Divorced Weekend - Friday 8 to Sunday 10 May at Worth Abbey, West Sussex.

Beginning Experience is a peer ministry to the widowed, separated and divorced led by trained volunteers.

Their work is carried out at special weekend gatherings, which encourage participants to deal with the natural process of grief and loneliness.

For further details of the weekend please contact Mary on 07730 884315 or email: BeginningExperience.soe@gmail.com

Online gathering: Invitation from Church Action on Poverty

Is your church working to address rural poverty? Would you like to connect with others addressing similar issues around the UK?

If so, you can sign up for "Connecting and strengthening rural voices on poverty", an online roundtable event organised by Church Action on Poverty (Christian social justice charity), The Diocese of Truro and Churches Together in Cumbria.

The event is on Thursday 21 May from 10.30am to 12noon.

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